If printing less than 50 books, our prices are posted. However, if you are ordering over 50 books, we will supply you with a quote because we offer quantity discounts (from 20-80%) with numerous options. We try to respond to all quote requests within 1 business day. Please use the comment and question sections for all questions and custom features.

How do I combine multiple JPG or PDF files into a single PDF file?

We require that our customers send us a single PDF file of the book content to ensure that we receive pages in the correct order and that all fonts and images have been properly included. However, it is common to work with programs (i.e. Photoshop, etc) which allow the customer to create a single JPG or PDF file for each page. These individual JPG and/or PDF files need to be finally combined into a single PDF file for printing the book content.

We have four recommended alternatives for combining multiple files into a single PDF file:

Option 1: Some programs have the ability to save your file as a single PDF file. Some of these programs are InDesign, Illustrator, MS Publisher 2007, MS Word 2007, etc. Earlier versions of MS Word or MS Publisher require a file conversion utility (see options below) to convert the file to a PDF file or install Microsoft's Compatability Pack.

Option 2: Download a free copy of PDFill PDF Tools(for PC Users only). When running PDFill you can Merge individual PDF files into a single PDF file as well as convert JPGs to PDF and PDFs to JPG. It will also allow other basic modifications to PDFs like rotate/crop, and adding page numners (using Add Header and Footer) among others.

Option 3: If you have the Adobe Acrobat Pro program (not Acrobat Reader), you can use that program to combine individual files into a single PDF file and review it for accuracy. If you do not have this program you can download a free 30-day trial of this program (for PC users only). The function you would use for this is FILE/COMBINE/MERGE FILES INTO SINGLE PDF

Option 4: Get a free trial of Primo.pdf Creator (for PC Users only). After installing this utility, it will create a "Printer" called PrimoPDF. To use this utility, put all of the pages you wish to combine into a single folder, highlight the pages, right-click then select PRINT/PRIMOPDF. When running the PrimoPDF conversion and the process requests PDF Settings, select the Prepress Setting, which will give the highest quality images.

Option 5: Get a free trial of Combine PDFs (for MAC Users only).After installing the application, just drag and drop the files (PDF, JPG, GIF) in the order you want or let it default to alphabetic order if your files are named properly (e.g. Page001.jpg, Page002.jpg, Page003.jpg). Select MERGE PDFs to create the single PDF file.

Option 6: Visit PDFMerge.com (for PC & MAC Users)and use their free services to combine multiple PDF files into a single PDF file. (Please note this method only works with PDF files)

NOTE: If your file was created with a program which uses layers, please FLATTEN your 300 dpi .pdf and .Tiff files since they create huge file sizes and long uploads / downloads when you do not flatten.

We require that our customers send us a single PDF file of the book content to ensure that we receive pages in the correct order and that all fonts and images have been properly included. However, there are some programs which allow the customer to create their "book content file" but won't create a PDF file.

We have three recommended alternatives for creating a PDF file from these applications which don't create the PDF file directly:

Option 1: If you have the Adobe Acrobat Pro program (not Acrobat Reader), you can use that program to combine individual files into a single PDF file and review it for accuracy. If you do not have this program you can download a free 30-day trial of this program (for PC users only). The function you would use for this is FILE/CREATE PDF/FROM FILE

Option 2: Download a free copy of PDFill PDF Tools(for PC Users only). When running PDFill you can Merge individual PDF files into a single PDF file as well as convert JPGs to PDF and PDFs to JPG. It will also allow other basic modifications to PDFs like rotate/crop, and adding page numners (using Add Header and Footer) among others.

Option 3: Get a free trial of Primo.pdf Creator (for PC Users only). When running the PrimoPDF conversion and the process requests PDF Settings, select the Prepress Setting, which will give the highest quality resolution.

NOTE: If your file was created with a program which uses layers, please FLATTEN your 300 dpi .pdf and .Tiff files since they create huge file sizes and long uploads / downloads when you do not flatten.

1. Place an Order (if not already done): * We need to be able to match up your file submission with your order. * You can place an order at Click HERE if you need to place an order 2. Properly Name Your File * Include your name and the submission date in the file name as well as what the file is(Cover, Content, Dust Jacket, etc.) Example: "YourName-FileType-(Date).pdf"

* Send Content to us as a single PDF file * Review your PDF file before you send it to us to ensure that pages are all in the correct order and that all fonts and images have been included. We "Print What You Send Us". * Send Cover to us a separate PDF file from the Content file 4. Upload your .pdf files [flattened, if needed] 300 dpi files to www.hightail.com/u/ubuildabook

OR

Mail us a CD/DVD/Flash Drive with your files, along with the accompanying order form

It needs to be set up with the final page size desired. Our standard sizes are 8.5x11, 6x9 and 5.5x8.5. It is recommended that you use Margins of at least 1/2" on all sides plus an extra 1/4" on the binding side (inside) Use the Word option for Mirror Margins to be able to setup the inside/binding side margin larger than than the rest of the margins. Note that there is a 1/4" safe zone on all 4 sides of the page, so please don't put anything in this safe zone area so that no text will be cut off during the final book trimming process.

As far as fonts, the most common font and size used is Times New Roman, 12 pt. However, it is ultimately up to the author to select the font and size that they think best fits the book type and audience.

When the file is ready to be sent to UBuildABook, please "Save As" PDF file and send us the PDF file.

Note that there needs to be a separate cover file in addition to the inside content file.

If you are scanning an image/page, select the Scan as Grayscale option to ensure that the image will be saved without any color.

If you already have an image/page and want to ensure that the image/page will be saved without any color, you will need to convert it to Grayscale, a common option in image editing software. When converting an image/page to grayscale, all the color is replaced with shades of gray. Here are some common programs, and their options, which can be used to convert an image/page to grayscale:

Scanners and digital cameras create images using combinations of just three colors: Red, Green and Blue (called "RGB"). These are the primary colors of light, which computers use to display images on your screen. Printing presses print full color pictures using a different set of colors, the primary colors of pigment: Cyan (blue), Magenta (red), Yellow and Black (called "CMYK"). This is "4-color process" or "full-color" printing that comprises the majority of magazines and marketing materials you see every day. At some stage your RGB file must be translated to CMYK in order to print it on a printing press.

We use a Digital Printing Process, which allows us to be able print short-run book orders (from 1 to 1000 books) much more affordably and quicker than traditional offset printing presses which typically require orders of 1000+ books. Most customers don't know and don't care about how their materials wind up in a book. That's fine, we get paid to worry about that. But there are a few things that you should be aware of if your design requires high precision in the printing process.

We print most jobs at a high quality 300dpi press setting, however we are able to increase it to 600dpi (on request) for books that have images that require an even higher precision, typically for line art or architectural sketches.

Also, when you have a two-page spread, the precision of our equipment only allows us to be able guarantee a 1mm tolerance between the images lining up on the left and right pages. In addition, the making of our full bleed printed book covers have a 1mm tolerance on all sides, so symmetrical images (such as boxes) should not be closer than 1" to the edges of the front and back covers so that the cover does not look "off center".

Yes we can design your cover for you. It is $50 for a simple cover including book title and a simple graphic. A more complex cover is $80 and up. Using the more complex cover option allows you to make suggestions for your cover and our designer will give you a quote for the cover design.

If you don’t have your own images and/or you are looking for new ones, check out public domain, royalty free graphics web sites or subscription graphics online services that charge a membership fee for unlimited graphics downloads.

A proof is an advanced copy of a book. We offer two forms of proofs - a standard proof or an e-proof. A standard proof is an actual book that is mailed to you. An e-proof is an e-mailed .pdf file in low resolution, which contains the final formatting for your book. The reason for getting a proof is so typos and other errors can be caught and changed before the final production happens.

Personalization Requirements/Restrictions

Personalizations can have up to 3 lines of text, each line MUST be put in a separate column.(Line 1, Line 2 & Line 3 in the template)

Each personalization may have 1 custom image. All images must have the following:

All images must be the same size

The images MUST be named using a numbering system(001.jpg, 002.jpg, etc), and they must be in the same order they appear on the list. This means the first name on the list should have it's corresponding image 001.jpg

The right side of the template MUST be filled out, this includes:

Font Type - If you would like a non-standard font used the font file will need to be sent in with the Personalization Template

Font Size - This should be listed in points (pts)

Font Color - This should be the RGB color, or Hex Code for the color. Listing light blue or dark green isn't specific enough

Approximate location on cover - This could be "Bottom-Right Corner", "Under School Logo", etc.

Issued prior to publication, this free number is intended for books that will be distributed to libraries. The number is called the Preassigned Control Number (PCN) and may be requested by submitting a one-page application. For more information, guidelines about what books qualify, instructions and PCN forms, visit the Library of Congress.

If printing less than 50 books, our prices are posted. However, if you are ordering over 50 books, we will supply you with a quote because we offer quantity discounts (from 20-80%) with numerous options. We try to respond to all quote requests within 1 business day. Please use the comment and question sections for all questions and custom features.

We typically try to print in our standard books sizes - 6 x 9 (Portrait or Landscape), 8.5 x11 (Portrait or Landscape), 8.5 x 8.5 and 12 x 12 - as they are less expensive to print. But if needed, we are able to print custom sized books from 4 x 4 to 12 x 12 for orders of 50 or more books.

The term "page" is confusing since it can mean two different things when referring to double-sided printing: a page or a sheet. We count pages as the page numbers normally run. Each sheet in the book has two pages, one on each side; in fact, each sheet has two pages even if one of them is blank. There are twice as many pages as there are sheets. If the pages in a book are numbered from 1 to 250, then there are 250 pages in the book and 125 sheets. It's really confusing for us when you ask for a quote with a page description of "320 pages printed on both sides". To us that means 320 pages (160 sheets) and they are not blank on the back. If you mean 640 pages when you say this, we won't get your quote right for you

When ordering less than 50 books, our shipping rates are based on the size and type of book.

When ordering 50 or more books, our shipping rates are based on the standard Fedex Ground rates and our packing and handling costs. We are generally able to estimate shipping costs, but wait until we pack and weigh the final order to determine the exact weight and shipping costs.

For non-profits and religious organizations, the State of California states that "No general exemption is given for nonprofit and religious organizations. Although many nonprofit and religious organizations are exempt from federal and state income tax, there is no similar broad exemption from California sales and use tax. Generally, nonprofit groups' sales are taxable, as are their purchases. In other words, nonprofit and religious organizations, in general, are treated just like other California sellers and buyers for sales and use tax purposes." Click here to get a copy of California Publication 18, which provides more detail on this subject.

1. Place an Order (if not already done): * We need to be able to match up your file submission with your order. * You can place an order at Click HERE if you need to place an order 2. Properly Name Your File * Include your name and the submission date in the file name as well as what the file is(Cover, Content, Dust Jacket, etc.) Example: "YourName-FileType-(Date).pdf"

* Send Content to us as a single PDF file * Review your PDF file before you send it to us to ensure that pages are all in the correct order and that all fonts and images have been included. We "Print What You Send Us". * Send Cover to us a separate PDF file from the Content file 4. Upload your .pdf files [flattened, if needed] 300 dpi files to www.hightail.com/u/ubuildabook

OR

Mail us a CD/DVD/Flash Drive with your files, along with the accompanying order form

How do I combine multiple JPG or PDF files into a single PDF file??

We require that our customers send us a single PDF file of the book content to ensure that we receive pages in the correct order and that all fonts and images have been properly included. However, it is common to work with programs (i.e. Photoshop, etc) which allow the customer to create a single JPG or PDF file for each page. These individual JPG and/or PDF files need to be finally combined into a single PDF file for printing the book content.

We have four recommended alternatives for combining multiple files into a single PDF file:

Option 1: Some programs have the ability to save your file as a single PDF file. Some of these programs are InDesign, Illustrator, MS Publisher 2007, MS Word 2007, etc. Earlier versions of MS Word or MS Publisher require a file conversion utility (see options below) to convert the file to a PDF file or install Microsoft's Compatability Pack.

Option 2: Download a free copy of PDFill PDF Tools(for PC Users only). When running PDFill you can Merge individual PDF files into a single PDF file as well as convert JPGs to PDF and PDFs to JPG. It will also allow other basic modifications to PDFs like rotate/crop, and adding page numners (using Add Header and Footer) among others.

Option 3: If you have the Adobe Acrobat Pro program (not Acrobat Reader), you can use that program to combine individual files into a single PDF file and review it for accuracy. If you do not have this program you can download a free 30-day trial of this program (for PC users only). The function you would use for this is FILE/COMBINE/MERGE FILES INTO SINGLE PDF

Option 4: Get a free trial of Primo.pdf Creator (for PC Users only). After installing this utility, it will create a "Printer" called PrimoPDF. To use this utility, put all of the pages you wish to combine into a single folder, highlight the pages, right-click then select PRINT/PRIMOPDF. When running the PrimoPDF conversion and the process requests PDF Settings, select the Prepress Setting, which will give the highest quality images.

Option 5: Get a free trial of Combine PDFs (for MAC Users only).After installing the application, just drag and drop the files (PDF, JPG, GIF) in the order you want or let it default to alphabetic order if your files are named properly (e.g. Page001.jpg, Page002.jpg, Page003.jpg). Select MERGE PDFs to create the single PDF file.

Option 6: Visit PDFMerge.com (for PC & MAC Users)and use their free services to combine multiple PDF files into a single PDF file. (Please note this method only works with PDF files)

NOTE: If your file was created with a program which uses layers, please FLATTEN your 300 dpi .pdf and .Tiff files since they create huge file sizes and long uploads / downloads when you do not flatten.

We require that our customers send us a single PDF file of the book content to ensure that we receive pages in the correct order and that all fonts and images have been properly included. However, there are some programs which allow the customer to create their "book content file" but won't create a PDF file.

We have three recommended alternatives for creating a PDF file from these applications which don't create the PDF file directly:

Option 1: If you have the Adobe Acrobat Pro program (not Acrobat Reader), you can use that program to combine individual files into a single PDF file and review it for accuracy. If you do not have this program you can download a free 30-day trial of this program (for PC users only). The function you would use for this is FILE/CREATE PDF/FROM FILE

Option 2: Download a free copy of PDFill PDF Tools(for PC Users only).When running PDFill you can Merge individual PDF files into a single PDF file as well as convert JPGs to PDF and PDFs to JPG. It will also allow other basic modifications to PDFs like rotate/crop, and adding page numners (using Add Header and Footer) among others.

NOTE: If your file was created with a program which uses layers, please FLATTEN your 300 dpi .pdf and .Tiff files since they create huge file sizes and long uploads / downloads when you do not flatten.

When you send in your files to get your books printed, you need to make sure that they are “print ready,”. This means that they are ready to be printed directly from your file, with no reformatting of pages or other changes. To be print ready, please be sure that your file abides by the following:

All files must be in PDF file format when submitting to UBuildABook. If you need assistance creating a PDF file, see our FAQ for different options to assist you

All images should have a resolution of at least 200 DPI for good printing and 300 DPI for best quality printing.

If you are working with JPEG or TIFF files, all pages should be LABELED in the order in which you would like them to appear in your book (e.g. Page001 Intro.jpg, Page002 TOC.jpg, etc.). Then you can combine the JPEG or TIFF files into a Single PDF file using a utility like Adobe Acrobat Pro (free 30-day trial available at the Adobe website).

If you want full bleed on the pages, please incorporate 0.25” page margins on all sides. Otherwise, the size of your pages should be the exact size of your book (i.e. if you want an 8.5 x 11 size book, your pages should be that size).

Your book cover design should incorporate a 0.75” bleed on three sides (top, bottom, outside edge). So, for an 8.5 x 11 book, the cover would be 9.25 x 12.5.

All hard copy photographs must be scanned in or must be in digital file format.